MATTAWA — A request for a variance in parking rules submitted by a developer interested in building a convenience store in Mattawa has been denied. The denial was issued Sept. 30. 

The company, Unity Partners, had asked to be allowed to reduce the number of parking spaces required from 100 to 33.  If it’s built, the mini-mart would be located at the intersection of State Route 243 and Road 24 Southwest, next to the roundabout. The company purchased the property from the Port of Mattawa.

Hardeep Singh, managing partner for Unity Partners, told the Mattawa City Council on Sept. 5 that the proposed convenience store would be about 10,000 square feet. Under the city’s zoning code, the business would be required to have 100 parking spaces. 

Pat Boss, business development and public affairs manager for the port, said at the port commission meeting Monday that the number of parking spaces proposed by the applicant was similar to the parking approved for the Dollar General store on Government Road.  

City and port officials met earlier this year and Boss said parking regulations were one of the topics of conversation.  

“They’re from 2008,” Boss said.  

Port officials asked about the reasoning behind the requirements, he said. 

“We haven’t really gotten a clear explanation where the 100 parking spaces came from,” Boss said.  

Port officials have asked previously about updating the parking regulations; a different tenant was interested in building there, but eventually dropped the project.  Council members decided to delay discussion of any changes until after the city’s comprehensive plan was updated, Boss said. The update was completed in 2023.  

“We would like to have a dialogue with the city,” Boss said.  

Other businesses have expressed interest in locating around that intersection, but the parking regulations make it a less attractive location, he said.  

Under the off-street parking provisions in the city’s zoning code, the convenience store would be designated as a general service land use. 

The general service designation also includes gas stations, espresso stands, restaurants and hair salons, among others. The city’s zoning code requires business owners to provide one parking space for every 100 square feet.  

The zoning code seems to be in conflict with the city’s building code. Under the building code, the convenience store would be classified as a retail store, which would require one space for every 400 square feet, plus spaces for employees. 

City officials declined to comment on the difference. 

Mattawa Mayor Maria Celaya declined to comment on the matter when contacted via email. 

Port commissioners agreed to send a letter to city officials, asking for clarification on the reasoning behind the parking regulations and suggesting further discussion.